Stockton, Calif. - For the second time in as many years, the Pacific Tigers advanced to the America East Conference semifinals, this time defeating the New Hampshire Wildcats 4-2.  Kriekie van Wyk scored two goals in the game, with Ash Rutherford and Axelle Steffen also chipping in goals to get Pacific the win.  The Tigers, who are now 15-4, will face Albany tomorrow at 2:30 pm.

Laura Pujade picked up her 15th win of the year, making a season-high 11 saves for the Tigers.  The loss went to New Hampshire's Kelsey Rudert, who also made 11 saves.

New Hampshire scored the game's first goal when Lindsey Nerbonne tipped a Ashley Mendonca pass into the net.  Mendonca's pass came from high above the circle and found Nerbonne cutting in near the mouth of the goal.

The lead was short-lived, however, as the Tigers scored just 30 seconds later.  Rutherford's goal was part of Pacific's strong counter that, in the words of Head Coach Andy Smith, continually saw Pacific "put our foot on the gas" after New Hampshire's two goals.  Rutherford took a spinning backhand shot in the left part of the circle to score her third goal in the last three games, with Ali Campos assisting.

Van Wyk picked up a goal in the 31st minute with a tipped ball that came off Campos' feed.  The Tigers offense generated 17 shots in the first half to just four from New Hampshire, highlighted in part by van Wyk's 20th goal of the year.

Steffen had a beautiful goal just eight minutes into the second half.  Savannah Burns, who had a defensive save in the game as well as an assist, sent in a long pass from far above the circle.  Steffen managed to get her stick on the rocket and redirect it into the air past the goalie to make it 3-1.

After New Hampshire picked up their second goal, scored by Katie Audino, the Tigers went back on the attack.  It took just over a minute this time for Pacific to score again as van Wyk rocketed in a goal off a corner, making it 4-2.  Rutherford and Alicia Muiños assisted.

"We knew the first two minutes after every goal were going to be key," said Smith about Pacific's consistent counters to New Hampshire's goals.

This will be the second year in a row that the Tigers have faced Albany in the America East semifinals.  "The difference from last year is we really believe we can win," says Smith about the rematch.  "I think there's a genuine feeling that there's a lot of hockey left in this team and we're focused on the next game."

The Tigers semifinal matchup will be at 2:30 pm tomorrow at the Pacific Field Hockey Turf.  Tickets for that game are available online.

Make sure to follow Pacific field hockey on Twitter with the username @PacificTigersFH and on Instagram at pacifictigersfh.